Puzzle



C. M. FLY

PUZZLE Filed April ll, 1947 M F M. m m m Maw Patented May 30, 1950 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFECE 1 Claim.

This invention relates to a puzzle, and more particularly to a puzzle of the maze ball type.

A primary object of this invention is the provision of an improved puzzle, of the type wherein a maze is provided, having an entrance and an exit, and a tortuous path therebetween, through which a ball is adapted to be passed from the entrance to the exit, a plurality of false passages also being provided.

An additional object of the invention is the provision of such a device including a maze adapted to be contained within a transparent sphere, in such manner that the ball, or the outline thereof, interiorly of the sphere in the maze is visible to the operator at all times.

An additional object of the invention is the provision of a puzzle characterized by relatively high entertainment and amusement value, which may be simply and inexpensively manufactured, and which, due to the diversity of the maze therewithin, is adapted to provide a plurality of unforseen situations, thus enhancing its entertainment value.

Other objects will in part be obvious, and in part be pointed out as the description of the invention proceeds, and shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein there is disclosed a preferred embodiment of this inventive concept.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a side elevational view of one form of sphere embodying features of the instant invention.

Figure 2 is a View of the sphere as viewed from the opposite side.

Figure 3 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 3--3 of Figure 1, as viewed in the direction indicated by the arrows.

Figure 4 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 4-4 of Figure 1, as viewed in the direction indicated by the arrows.

Figure 5 is a fragmentary sectional View disclosing an additional constructional detail which may be utilized with the device.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views of the drawmgs.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, the device of the instant invention comprises a, sphere Ill, preferably of transparent material, such as plastic or the like, and provided on one side with an aperture H marked Enter, and on the opposite side diametrically opposed to the entrance l, with an exit l2. Interiorly of the ball or sphere ID are a plurality of tortuous interconmiunicating channels l3, one of which, 13a,

communicates with the entrance I I, and another of which, I31), communicates with the exit [2. The particular arrangement of the channels interiorly of the sphere may be suitably varied as desired, it being noted that certain of the channels are provided with relatively sharp bends l4, while certain others are provided with dead ends, as indicated at l5. In the use and operation of the device, a small ball it, such as a BB shot, or the like, is adapted to be passed through the entrance ii, if desired, the ball being supported by the hands in such manner that the entrance is uppermost, and the ba11 may be dropped therewithin. The passage of the ball through the maze is then governed by rotating the sphere ID in the hands in such manner as to guide the sphere, or ball, [6 in a desired direction, the object being to pass the ball completely through the maze to the exit I 2, from which it may drop for re-use.

As best shown in Figure 5, a member is provided for retention of the ball it when not in use, and comprises a tubular portion i! having a resilient socket l8 at its upper extremity, the arrangement being such that the socket l8 may be separated to permit the insertion of the ball i6 through the top aperture i9 thereof, and the split tubular section I! may then be inserted into either of the apertures II or E2, thus holding the socket l8 about the ball l6, and retaining the same in assembled relation with the sphere when the device is not in use.

While in the illustrative embodiment shown of this invention there is disclosed one entrance and two exits, Figure 3, it will be readily apparent that, if desired, a single exit Or an additional number of exits may be provided having a plurality of interior communicating passages, and the puzzle may be varied in such manner that, in order to solve the same, the ball, or a plurality of balls, must be successively passed outwardly through a plurality of numbered exits.

Correspondingly, the type of ball holder may be varied, if desired, and so arranged that the socket portion i8 may be positioned interiorly of either of the passages II or 12, the pressure of the walls against the socket serving to retain the ball in assembled relation with the sphere.

In the manufacture of the device, it will be readily understood that the sphere may be constructed of two separate hemispheres, the tortuous channels !3 being suitably molded thereinto or cast, as desired, and assembled by suitably aligned passageways formed in the opposite hemisphere, and sealing the device.

3 Conversely, if desired, the passageways may be drilled subsequent to the formation of the device, from the exterior of the sphere, and their ends suitably sealed with plastic in any desired manner.

From the foregoing it will now be seen that there is herein provided an improved maze puzzle, characterized by internal tortuous passages providing a diversity of paths through which a ball may be passed, according to therelative position of the puzzle, which provides relatively high entertainment value and a diversity of possible situations, which accomplishes all the objects of this invention, and others, including many ad.-, vantages.

As many embodiments may be made of this inventive concept, and as many modifications may be made in the embodiment hereinbefore shown and described, it is to be understood that all matter herein is to.be interpreted merely as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

I claim;

A puzzle. device, comprising a substantially solid sphere provided with, an internal continuous narrow, tortuous passage, said tortuous passage. being substantially circular in. transverse cro ss section, said: tortuous. passage being formed in two. passagev sections lying in two diametral planesthrough the sphere, the planes. of the two passage sections being arranged substantially at right angles, the passage section of one plane having diametrically oppositely arranged entrance and discharge ends opening through the periphery of the sphere and at least one intermediate end opening through the periphery of the sphere, the passage sections communicating at a plurality of points within the sphere, each passage section having a plurality of curved portions and a plurality of straight portions forming the continuous tortuous passage sections, certain of said curved portions of said passage sections terminating in closed ends forming traps, anda ball piece for the puzzle device to be passed through the entrance end of the tortuous passage for passing completely through the tortuous passage and out of the discharge end thereof.

CHARLES M. FLY.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent: V

U-NIIIED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 479,475 Stutz July 26, 1892 507,667- Taylor Oct; 31, 1893 1,118,248 Taylor Nov. 24, 1914 2 ,194,940 Hiertz Mar. 26, 1940 FOREIGN PAT n s Number Country Date 4,701- Great Britain Apr. 16, 1898 

